The promise of a long walk along some of the most beautiful beaches in the world draws visitors to Gulf Shores, AL each year. The sugar white sand and crystal clear green waters are never a disappointment for vacationers wanting to get away from it all.

Vacationers can also enjoy birding, fishing, zoos, golfing, bicycling, go carts, charter boat tours, parasailing, and diving at the many beaches and parks in Gulf Shores.

Public Beaches

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Open year-round from dawn to dusk, the Bon Secour National Wild Refuge provides a 6,200 acre refuge to the animals and plants distinctive to the Gulf Coast area. Popular visitor attractions include hiking the Pine Beach Trail or Jeff Friend Trail and fishing in the freshwater Gator Lake.

Cotton Bayou Public Beach
Located at the intersection of Highway 182 and Highway 161, this little beach is perfect for a quick afternoon stroll in the sand and has a paved parking area.

Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion
Located on Highway 182, just east of Highway 59, the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion features over 10,000 feet of Gulf Coast beach. Picnic tables, showers and a refreshment area are available at the large pavilion.

Gulf State Park Picnic Area
Located off of Highway 182, the Gulf State Park Picnic Area covers 25-acres and has over 100 picnic tables. The area features swimming, water skiing, boating, boat rental, playgrounds, a snack bar and bathhouse.

Gulf Shores Public Beach
Featuring beach attendants, showers, three open pavilions, a picnic area, paved parking, and over 1,500 feet of boardwalk, the Gulf Shores Public Beach is located at Highway 59 and Highway 182 in Gulf Shores.

Perdido Point Public Beach
Located on Highway 182, just east of Perdido Pass Bridge, Perdido Point Public Beach features more than 6,000 feet of beaches and sand dunes, all of which can be enjoyed from a 225 foot boardwalk.